Teaching and Learning

Authorised IB World School

After identifying the need to find a curriculum framework which would best meet the needs of our students at St Andrews Lutheran College, we commenced the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in 2004, becoming endorsed in 2008. The following information provided will give a brief overview of the PYP and how the College ‘makes it happen.’

Both the St Andrews Lutheran College and the IB mission statement articulates what we believe about life-long learners at St Andrews Lutheran College.

IB Mission statement

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Download the General Regulations for the Primary Years Programme here

What is the Primary Years Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development.

The PYP draws on research and best practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, engaging, challenging and significant educational framework for all children.

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB LEARNERS STRIVE TO BE......

Inquirers:
They develop their natural curiosity.
They acquire the skills necessary to
conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable:
They explore concepts, ideas and issues
that have local and global significance. In doing so, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers:
They exercise initiative in applying
thinking skills critically and creatively
to recognise and approach complex
problems, and make reasoned,
ethical decisions.

Open-minded:
They understand and appreciate their
own cultures and personal histories,
and are open to the perspectives, values
and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to
seeking and evaluating a range of points
of view, and are willing to grow from
the experience.

Principled:
They act with integrity and honesty,
with a strong sense of fairness, justice
and respect for the dignity of the
individual, groups and communities.
They take responsibility for their own
actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Communicators:
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Caring:
They show empathy, compassion and
respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Courageous:
They approach unfamiliar situations
and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence
of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and
strategies. They are brave and articulate
in defending their beliefs.

Balanced:
They understand the importance of
intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective:
They give thoughtful consideration to
their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.